Introduction to Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
I understand that mealtime can be quite a prized time of the day, especially after a tiring day with little ones running about the house. So here it is, Mom’s big help: Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole. It’s essentially that ever-loving hug in a casserole: warm, hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make all layered up with your favorite pierogies, seasoned sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce the whole family will adore. Rushing home from work or just trying to keep those picky eaters happy, this casserole never fails!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
This Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole is a lifesaver for hectic evenings! It takes just 55 minutes from start to finish, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more with your loved ones. Plus, the flavors are truly mouthwatering. With creamy cheese, savory sausage, and soft pierogies, every bite feels like a comforting embrace. You’ll savor each forkful, knowing it was effortless to prepare!
Ingredients for Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen potato and cheese pierogies: These little dumplings are the star of the show. They’re creamy and hearty, making for a comforting casserole base.
- Smoked kielbasa: This sausage brings a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the pierogies. You could also use other sausages like chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and a rich depth of flavor to your casserole. Feel free to sub in a cream of chicken soup if that’s your preference.
- Sour cream: This adds a delightful tang and balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Make sure to use a good quality cheese for the best melt. You can mix things up by using Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want some heat.
- Milk (optional): If you like your sauce a bit thinner, a splash of milk can help with that. Adjust to your liking!
- Medium onion: Onions cooked to caramelized perfection add sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Olive oil: This is perfect for sautéing the sauce ingredients. Canola or vegetable oil works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: These pantry staples are essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Make sure to check the bottom of the article for exact quantities of each of these ingredients. They are listed for your easy printing convenience!
How to Make Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
Making this Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole is as simple as pie, or should I say pierogi? Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and grease it up with olive oil or nonstick spray. This little step keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cook the Kielbasa
Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced kielbasa, and let it sizzle for about 4 to 6 minutes. You want those edges to brown just a bit for that extra flavor. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, toss in the thinly sliced onion. Sauté for about 4 to 6 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the sweetness. When they’re ready, take them off the heat and set aside with the kielbasa.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to create that rich, creamy sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a splash of milk if desired. This mixture will hold everything together. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste, and boom, you have the star of the show!
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Let’s get assembling! Arrange half of the frozen potato and cheese pierogies in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked kielbasa, followed by half the sautéed onions. Pour half of your creamy sauce evenly on top, and then cover everything with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining pierogies, sausage, onions, and sauce. Top it off with the remaining cheese. Your casserole is now ready for the oven!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. After that time, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want it bubbly, with the cheese melted and lightly golden on top. For that irresistible golden color, you can broil it for 1 to 2 minutes—just keep an eye on it!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything set a bit. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve it up! Pair it with a dollop of sour cream for that extra creamy goodness. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to brown the kielbasa well; it adds a rich flavor.
- Don’t rush the onion sautéing process; it enhances sweetness and depth.
- Cover the casserole tightly with foil during the first bake to keep it moist.
- Customize by adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving for convenience.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch casserole dish: If you don’t have one, any large baking dish will do.
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing; alternatively, use a nonstick pan.
- Medium bowl: For mixing the creamy sauce; a large measuring cup works, too.
- Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing kielbasa; a regular spoon can work in a pinch.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking; a lid works if you have one!
Variations for Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
- Different Sausages: Switch up the smoked kielbasa for turkey sausage, chicken, or spicy Italian for a flavor twist.
- Add Veggies: Consider mixing in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free and use gluten-free pierogies to keep it safe for those with dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute the sausage with plant-based options, and use vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream for a satisfying vegan casserole.
- Heat It Up: For some zing, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sausage while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- A side of roasted vegetables complements the meal beautifully with added flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or rolls for soaking up any creamy sauce.
- A glass of white wine or sparkling juice balances the richness perfectly.
FAQs about Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will work just as well. Just keep in mind that their cooking time may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup? If mushrooms aren’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for cream of chicken soup or a homemade cream sauce. Both will add richness to the dish!
How do I store leftovers of this Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Is this dish kid-friendly? Definitely! Kids will love the cheesy flavors and the fun texture of the pierogies. It’s a great way to get them involved in mealtime!
Final Thoughts
Every time I whip up this Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole, it feels like I’m wrapping my family in a cozy blanket of flavors. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment of togetherness, laughter, and comfort after busy days. Each bite brings a smile, and I love hearing my kids rave about it at the dinner table. With its simple preparation and delightful taste, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite in your home as well. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll have a special place in your heart, just like it does in mine!
Print
Easy Pierogi Sausage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and comforting casserole featuring layered pierogies, sausage, and creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 24 oz frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk, optional, to thin sauce
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook until edges are lightly browned, approximately 4 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Using the same skillet, add sliced onion and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange half of the frozen pierogies in an even layer in the prepared casserole dish; no thawing necessary.
- Evenly scatter half the browned sausage and half the sautéed onions over the pierogies. Spoon half of the sauce mixture evenly on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the layer.
- Repeat with remaining pierogies, sausage, onions, and sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden. For extra browning, broil for 1 to 2 minutes monitoring closely.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with optional sour cream.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your choice of sausage or add vegetables.
- Can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
